Kathleen Pitcher Tobey

Executive Director | Call to Action Foundation

Kathleen Pitcher Tobey is motivated by the value of empathy. For Kathleen, empathy is what fuels a lifetime and career of purpose: “to serve my community and build partnerships that drive systemic change.”

Since 2022, Kathleen has served as Executive Director of the Call to Action Foundation, a private operating foundation that invests in affordable housing and scholarships for underserved communities in the West and Midwest. In this role, Kathleen serves as a conduit for the multi-generational family that operates Call to Action and the deserving institutions and grantees across the region that benefit from the foundation’s investments.

“I love going on site visits and learning firsthand what obstacles organizations face in their work and thinking together about how to overcome those challenges. Philanthropy is a powerful tool.” Earlier this month, Call to Action announced the launch of a new scholarship program that funds the full Cost of Attendance (COA) for eligible students at non-profit, regionally accredited public universities and colleges in Utah, Colorado, Idaho, and Iowa.

Kathleen is a graduate of the 21/64 Approach training (Boston 2023 cohort) and a member of the Learning Community. Speaking about her experience with 21/64: “The Approach Training changed the way I think about family dynamics. When I started this position, I felt uncomfortable working within a family system. I had much more experience working at a corporate level with executives. Through the training, I gained tools and knowledge that have helped me navigate family dynamics much more effectively. It is a big part of my job and very fulfilling.”

Her advice for aspiring donors who want to do this work: “Remove the wall of privilege from philanthropy, do your research and then dig in and get to work. Don’t presume to know the answers to challenging community questions. Work with people who live those challenges every day and humbly engage with them in finding solutions that fit what they need, not what you think they need.”  

Kathleen cites her former history professor Anne Butler as an influential mentor, “she taught me to be confident, assertive, and never apologize for being a smart woman.” In her free time, Kathleen finds joy in giving, volunteering, and raising her “beautiful children.” She also describes herself as a rabid Utah Jazz fan. Nice!

Thank you Kathleen for sharing about yourself with the 21/64 community!